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The Wife is First
Type
Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 632 votes)
5    63% (396 votes)
4    18% (115 votes)
3    10% (61 votes)
2    4% (26 votes)
1    5% (34 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
Year
Example: 2012
2013
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
3 Volumes (Completed)
105 Chapters + 3 Extras (Completed)
Licensed
Yes
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
Release Frequency
Every 1576 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #4941
Monthly Rank: #6804
All Time Rank: #722
Reading List
[Graph]
On 12953 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #1009
All Time Rank: #170

Description

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The wife is first, the country is second, and the husband is of lesser importance.

All of his life was spent riding a war horse and accomplishing meritorious military services. But what was the result? In the end, he was cast aside once he had served his purpose.

Out of selfishness, he had favored his consort and neglected his wife. Ultimately, the one who stood by his side was the wife that he had neglected for 10 years…

After being reborn, Jing Shao decided to repent and turn over a new leaf…

Standing outside the door while holding a pillow, Jing Shao gazed at the sky. He must first mend his relationship with his wife. Jing Shao formed a fist and knocked on the door, “Jun Qing, I know I was wrong, let me in!”

Associated Names
One entry per line
Qi Wei Shang
The Wife Comes First
Thê Vi Thượng
Wife Above All
You Own My All (Manhua)
Жена - превыше всего
หนึ่งคํามั่น นิรันดร์กาล
妻为上
妻為上
Related Series
The Stingy Friend (Spin-Off)
Recommendations
Tyrant Pampering Wife Diary (6)
The Deposed Crown Prince Is Pregnant With The Enemy Prince’s Child (4)
The General’s Favorite Husband (4)
Didn’t Love You Enough (4)
The Submissive Emperor (3)
Marrying the Contemporary Crown Prince (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Reads Like Middle School Level Fanfiction
  2. Novelas Danmei
  3. My danmei reads
  4. Danmei To Be Read List [FULL LIST; UNORDERED]
  5. Danmei TBR

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118 Reviews sorted by


Kamp
Kamp rated it
May 16, 2023
Status: c105
I liked this story for the most part. But it really should've ended sooner. And it felt really aggressive to women. Like you could have just not mention it at all. But let's talk about this brother-obsessed husband that's already giving away his wife's fetus before it's born and how she needs to get over almost dying in childbirth because her status depends on whether her husband respects her or not. Then she dies in the end and nobody cares because she was overly formal toward the beloved brother. Maybe... more>> it's supposed to juxtapose the marital lives of the brothers. But it's more like even if a man can be humiliated as a male wife, at least he isn't just property like a woman. <<less
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Linboh0214
Linboh0214 rated it
October 15, 2022
Status: --
Ok before I start, there might be some inconsistencies since It’s been a while I read this.

For those who rated one in this novel,

While I agree that the MC definitely had issues mainly pertaining to his hot temper and was an abusive and neglective husband to ML and his concubines for the most part, they seem to be forgetting that aside from the ML these victims weren’t entirely all that innocent either.

Let’s start with the side consort.

... more>>
Spoiler

His side consort for one acted as a spy on her father’s the minister of war’s behalf. She constantly let loose about vital information pertaining to her husband’s household. Using this information as a foothold the Minister tried bring the promising prince under his influence. If he succeeded then his daughter could have potentially become the future empress. Clearly she wasn’t satisfied with the side consort position and had ambitions to rise up to become the main princess consort and in her mind future empress. So yeah she’s not that innocent.

[collapse]

The concubines

Spoiler

One of the concubines was literally gifted to him by his eldest brother to spy on him and report back to him about his every movement. The ideal probably would have been for her to become favored long enough so she could give out incriminating information about the MC to her boss in exchange for whatever he promised her. The fact she was able to divorce and flee from the MC’s mansion in itself is extremely suspicious. Although we aren’t given a clear definition of her background, judging from her lowly stature as a concubine she probably didn’t come from an influential family unlike the side consort. Meaning she had to have someone else bail her out. No doubt the prince was responsible for it and was most likely a planned action from the start. She probably could have been involved in the MC’s demise.

[collapse]

Ancient court politics were far from simple. Each family had their own agendas. While women in that timeline were restrained by their male counterparts (and still are in some parts of the world) they weren’t entirely powerless either. In fact, they held a lot more influence than people at that time gave them credit for. Labeling them simply as victims is really an injustice and insult to them and to the many merits they’ve achieved throughout history.

Lets put this in perspective if every woman was as frail, weak, submissive, domestic, and etc. Whatever else nonsense those idiot men think of them to be how the hell would they be able to withstand the life threatening path of childbirth? Women at the time had to constantly live with looming fear of death from childbirth from the moment they are married unlike men who for the most part only had to only worry about not doing anything s*upid that could cost then their lives. Not giving birth was not an option back then mostly due to social pressures.

So yeah, give them more credit will you.

However, it’s true that women have suffered many injustices simply because they were considered the inferior s*x. They were robbed of many opportunities and privileges that their male counterparts enjoyed. They were forcibly suppressed and subjugated to humiliation whenever it pleased others.

These things shouldn’t be ignored and be properly addressed. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the achievements and merits they struggled to fight for. They also deserve recognition in their own right. These women deserve more than to be remembered than as simple victims to a patriarchal society of that time. <<less
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xiao Yi
xiao Yi rated it
July 26, 2022
Status: Completed
Spoiler

“If there is an afterlife, I must treat you well. I will spend my entire life making it up to you... ”

[collapse]

Spoiler

"Even if that person is pampering you for now, he cannot love you dearly forever." The feelings of this person are actually as pure as a child’s, but, even if it was the like of a child liking a toy for a while, at the very least, for just a moment, Mu Hanzhang felt that Jing Shao did like him. “Shao... ”

[collapse]

Its actually quite good. Not the best, but its alright.
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yellauraya
yellauraya rated it
February 25, 2022
Status: Completed
★★★★★ [4.5/5 stars]

The synopsis of this novel is actually what drew me in to pick this up. I love the concept of being reborn, carrying a regretful and remorseful heart from the tragic first life he had lived and having the chance to literally start all over again, correct every mistakes he did and cherish the person who had been by his side but chose to neglect. I was already hooked from the very first chapter.

Aside from the political intrigue that I always loved, what I really love to see... more>> is how an as*hole character redeemed himself. Jing Shao/Wang Ye (MC) was truly an as*hole in the first life. He was the third son of the emperor who was forced in this marriage with Jun Qing/Wang Fei (ML) by the empress in order to cut off his chance for the throne. He was hot-tempered, reckless and short-minded who vented his anger to his Wang Fei and chose to mistreat him, not knowing that in the end when he was blamed for the set of crimes he didn't commit, when almost everyone pointed fingers at him, the only person who stayed by his side was exactly the person he neglected for 10 years. After being reborn, he devoted himself to his Wang Fei and really did everything to protect him. I am actually weak to doting and devoted lovers because those characters always makes my heart soft and I was actually glad that the author didn't really 'fleshed out' that as*hole version of Jing Shao from the first life because I would have really hated him. Mentioning only the tidbits of his attitude in the past life was already making me so mad. Anyway, I love the him in the second life and his dynamic with his Wang Fei. So much love and trust between each other were the strong foundation of their relationship. Jun Qing deserved the best in the world! He's so smart and gentle and despite having a difficult life with his family, he maintained his pure heart. That's why I was fuming when this beautiful soul was mistreated so badly by his husband in the past life. I was also glad that he finally had the chance to flaunt his cleverness in front of everyone. He has this calm and rational mind, which complements to his husband's recklessness and bravery. They have opposite personalities, which filled up their differences but they never clashed. I love that about them. Oh, I also loved the relationship between Jing Shao and his brother Jing Chen. I rarely see royal siblings in historical novels who sincerely care and love each other, without the touch of betrayals usually seen with the imperial princes who are seeking for the throne. Totally recommend this novel. The author is the same one who wrote White Cat's Divine Scratching Post, which I also adored so much. If reading the novel's synopsis didn't pique your interest, I really don't know what's wrong with you. This might not be the best novel for everyone, but this is definitely worth it. I also love the fluffiness of extra chapters and also recommend you to read that. <<less
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Rinmoyi
Rinmoyi rated it
August 20, 2021
Status: Completed
The title of this suggests a lot what's gonna be inside the novel, with lots of schemes.✨_✨

MC (top) was straight forward man. What he felt would just express that. Due to regrets from his past life after being reborn he pampered his wife then eventually fell in love with him. ML (bottom) was perfect match for MC. He was clam and rational. Mutual understanding between those two was good. What one lacked other had everything to fulfill that.|*^*|

About ML's forcing MC; to be clear forcing someone is absolutely not right... more>> but what's important is to regret, knowing ur wrong and mend it & if the victim is willing to forgive what other has to say. About others who wronged ML in his previous & present life, just to say they did evil, they got evil. O (╯□╰) o

Other side character couple was good. About MC's brother, his story was in the extra & to my premonition he was the bottom. Lol (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Well, it was sweet and fluffy in the 1st volume, then as follows in 2nd & 3rd volume there was lots of plots, schemes, & tensions. So it will catch your attention if you give it a try!! இ﹏இ <<less
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yiyuan
yiyuan rated it
April 12, 2021
Status: c51
I just have to say I love the left protectorate general and I don't know how he puts up with the rest of the airheads in the army, but he's a saint for doing it. I would read a spin-off series just of what thoughts go through his head, lol.

Before I read the novel, I was reading the manhua, which I enjoyed, but the level of detail in the novel is way higher, and more quickly persuaded me to like the MC than the manhua did.
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Yojiyi
Yojiyi rated it
March 17, 2021
Status: Completed
This is one of the novels where I like the secondary couple the best lmao. The whole novel is good tho! It was very tender and soft.
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LadyMacbeth
LadyMacbeth
March 11, 2021
Status: c63
Wholesome, sweet yet politically intriguing. Loved this one a lot.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
NightCrow712
NightCrow712 rated it
March 4, 2021
Status: v3c78
The story is very good, and I love the relationship between MHZ and JS and how it has developed as the story goes on, as someone who loves fix-it fics, this story is basically that, and does it in a very compelling and also hilarious way, can't wait to see how the story keeps developing!!!
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Sisithatlikestoread
Sisithatlikestoread rated it
January 9, 2021
Status: c72
Gosh it's really really great! Love the MC and ML, love their relationship and especially love the doting and fluffines of the novel!!! 5/5 for sure!

Go read it!
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vanterris
vanterris
November 19, 2020
Status: c69
Jing Chao wants a do-over from his previous life where he neglected the one person that was true to him. His wish is granted, but it's still off to a very rocky start as he wakes up hungover, looking at the roughed-up body of his new wife.

However, after some aftercare and meticulously showing his new wife that he is safe and loved, the pair reconcile and begin to navigate the schemes of his Emperor Father's court together, with help from Jing Chao's second eldest brother.

Both MC and ML are competent... more>> characters, with good communication, (refreshing!), and there are some good action parts and tender papapa moments. <<less
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harukonakahara143
harukonakahara143 rated it
November 9, 2020
Status: Completed
will read this again ❤️

A doting ML (seme) and a smart MC (uke) ❤️

I love how ML was given another chance to protect MC and also how their love develops.

The story is so fluffy and I just discovered that there is a manhwa for this novel.

Spoiler

At a certain point in the story, I love how ML brought MC with him as the military advisor. I guess, he couldn't bear to be away from our MC.

Also, The tiger they raised is so cute.

[collapse]
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Yuli_paws
Yuli_paws rated it
October 27, 2020
Status: --
K love their love story, I can from the manhua and was really intrigued, so I came to the novel and oh my gosh I spent all day reading it+ the next day to finish everything that was uploaded, I’ve never read a novel like this before, I really love the story
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Nilliabria
Nilliabria
June 15, 2020
Status: --
I love this kind of novel you could rarely find any novel that the protagonist is the male and not the female and add to that its a reincarnated story... looking forward to it
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vhiffy
vhiffy rated it
April 17, 2020
Status: c45
So far, this is a delightful story about a prince who's been given a second chance, and his husband. It's funny, touching, there's a bit of drama and political intrigue (though not heavy). It sometimes hits you in the feels, but the angst doesn't overpower the story. Though men can get married to other men in this world, it also shows the struggles of the "male wives" who are sidelined and not favored by their husbands. I have decided to turn a blind eye to the non-existent presence (in any... more>> kind of meaningful way, except as a foil for men) of women in this story. Can't have everything in a danmei.

Translation is great, btw! I can't wait for it to be finished :) <<less
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bluesilhouette
bluesilhouette rated it
February 13, 2020
Status: c44
This novel is lighthearted, but at the same time, it is quite deep. So far, there are no unnecessary plots, and everything falls nicely. The pace is not fast nor slow; it is just nice.

The gong's personality is not something you often see in danmei, and I meant this is a very positive light.
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Lasika
Lasika rated it
November 7, 2019
Status: c29
I really like this novel. It's sweet without all the drama and negative characters that otherwise seem to infuse c novels.

If you love "dogblood" dramas, this is the wrong novel for you. If you want a sweet, hassle-free, light-hearted novel then this one's a good pick. At this moment, we have a gong protagonist willing to go to all lengths to right his wrongs.

What that means is that the protagonist is upfront about wanting to communicate any issues and feelings straight up to his partner to avoid misunderstandings (and so... more>> far has done it- let's see for future chapters) and makes it a point to always consider his partner's feelings. It's nice to read a novel where the seme tries hard not to ab*se his authority as a Prince and wanting his partner's consent. Don't get me wrong, there are obvious issues still being glossed over, but I do appreciate the effort and the protagonist backing off.

The plot could be better but again the point of the story seems to be how the main guy will cherish his partner and hear him out to avoid the mistakes of his past. And I'm definitely not being disappointed on that front.

A sweet, somewhat funny and light-hearted novel for when you just want to read it for fluffiness and nothing else. Also kudos to the translator for their work- it's good quality translation. Am definitely going to look forward tomore chapters since it seems that now, the tone for palace intrigue will be set. <<less
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Windemerald
Windemerald rated it
April 13, 2019
Status: c8
Jung qin and cheng wang.

This is a story of rebirth and redemption. I really like this plot. Its like we only live once so we do whatever we want but sometimes. There are things we dont know and miracles we regard as nothing. People we disregards until they are lost that we finally realized how precious they are.

Cheng wang redemption and setting back to find his happiness
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maal
maal rated it
May 28, 2025
Status: Completed
I think I need to give this ovel justice because I have been discouraged from reading this novel for along time due to some bad reviews. And most of those bad reviews are harping on similar things. So, I feel the need to say a few thinks as to give future readers a clear view of what to expect.

I'll say it bluntly. Yes, there is forced s*xual relation between the main couple (ML and MC). The MC is the gong who is reborn. In his previous life, he treated his... more>> male wife (ML) badly. He ignored him, undermined his authority as the official main wife by letting the 2nd wife trampled all over him, favored the 2nd wife blatantly and the worst was taking away his freedom. (Yes, I don't consider the r*pe is the worst here, the lack of freedom is. Although I agree that r*ape is very bad but considering the circumtances in the novel it's not something that can be changed BUT it can be redeemed through actions and repentance. This is what the author is aiming in this novel)

I will explain more about this circumtance. The MC is Prince Jing Shao. Due to his merit in winning the war, some evil people with authority arranges his official marriage to a male wife (the ML) as to block his way to the throne. Because only the children born of official main wife that can inherit the throne (children of concubine or side wife cannot) and male wife cannot give him biological children. Since Prince Jing Shao cannot have official son, he is unfit to inherit the throne. This is the premise.

Because of this, Prince Jing Shao becomes hateful and he complained to the Emperor, refusing his marriage to ML but the Emperor thinks him arrogant instead and suspicious that he is greedy for the throne, which makes his porition even precarious. Prince Jing is a straightforward guy and not good at scheeming. So, due to his resentment he became even more reckless and made friends with the wrong ppl who in turn stabbed him in the back which resulting in his imprisonment and death. Only his unfavored male wife stayed with him until the end. Then he was reborn right at the next day after his wedding. This is the second premise.

Now, remember the second premise well. The MC has reborn and he wakes up in the morning after his wedding night. So, the r*ape has already happened the night before and he cannot undo it (unless he can turn back time) He is very regretful. Why can't he be reborn a few hours earlier so that he can prevent the r*pe from happening? But the script has already determined by the author like this. If you find this premise to be awful and only wants to read flowers and sunshine then pls don't read. This is not like ErHa in which the MC (also the gong) was reborn at the time before he even turn evil. (So, he can prevent himself from r*aping his Shizun)

No, this is not the story of erasing the bad deeds of the MC. This is the story of the MC who wants to redeem himself, who the bad deed already done and cannot be erased. If you make mistakes the first thing you ought to do is regretting your action and vowing not to do it again. Then you must work hard to fix it and make amends. THIS IS THE PREMISE of this story. Considering the ancient settings, the norm and social culture at the time, what do you want the MC to do? Things already bad for Jun Qing (the male wife ML) His future is ruined already. He can only be a dutiful male wife. He cannot be divorced of ppl will scorn him and bring shame to his family esp his mother. His family standing will drop and his father's career will stop. Do you want this to happen to MC? You cannot change the society at the time. Some readers hate this story because the author seemingly forgives the r*ape and make the r*pist (MC) likable. Like you never did anything bad in your life? If you deserve forgivenes for the bad things you did so can't the MC deserve the same forgivenes when he shows through words and actions that he regrets what he did (r*ping the ML) and trying so hard to make amends and treat the ML better? Trying so hard to be a better man and a better husband?

Remember, you are reading a story of ancient settings and chinese culture. Unless you are the emperor you cannot do anything. Imagine you live at that time and at that place as a commoner or even as an official. When you do something out of the normal culture you will soon be accussed of treachery and rebellious and even beheaded or imprisoned then see your modern standard be realized. Prince Jing cannot divorce his male wife. Cannot divorce his 2nd wife unless she did treason or her influential father will make his life (and his male wife's life) difficult. Prince Jing has no power within the political fight. The male wife JunQing also cannot join the imperial examination and cannot enter the political court asn an official. His fate has already sealed once he becomes a male wife. Such is the norm and culture at the time. If Prince Jing do things out of the norm, as a member of the imperial family he will be seen as crazy and rebelious and will be even stripped of his power and authority in court. Can he even protect his male wife then? I know there are novels out there where the MC did try to modernize the ancient culture by introducing modern morality but the MC is the emperor so he has the power to do so. If you don't like the ancient chinese culture pls don't read stories with ancient setting, read the modern setting instead. Yes, there are some weakness and things to criticize in this story but as far as I can tell, the way the author write about the MC's redemption, although not the best is still acceptable. He doesn't say a tearful and heartwrenching apology to ML but he does say sorry that he was wrong for treating him bad in bed (cough r*pe cough) and since they are already married the MC doesn't consider it r*pe. (Remember this is the culture and morality at the time. There is no r*pe in marriage back then and the MC is behaving and thinking according to the norm and at that time. Pls don't put your modern bias into ancient setting, it won't work.) He then shows that he regrets it thru his actions and affections later on. He also stand firmly on ML's side and gives ML full authority in his household. This is important. Because in ancient setting only power and authority can enable you to live well. Now, after tis lengthy explanation, If you are curious pls read this novel. This is a very fluff and adorable novel. Although I don't give this novel 5 rating, I give it 4.4 which is pretty high for me. <<less
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Indelible Faith
Indelible Faith rated it
March 10, 2025
Status: Completed
I'd started this book years ago, nearly 4 years or so when it was still in the midst of translation, and remember greatly enjoying it then.

I'm not sure what changed, or perhaps it's simply my taste, or maybe the story didn't progress as well as it started? Either way, on completing it now, I'm almost disappointed?

It's a simple re-do premise, where the MC promises to right all his wrongs, especially those done to the ML by him. The issue here is, after going to the past, he barely ever has... more>> any hurdles or struggles courtesy of "future" knowledge and his husband – the now appreciated ML – who advises him accordingly. There are never any setbacks, or moments that feel like there's actual trouble brewing.

Now, that would still be fine, if plot wasn't a major consideration for the author. But even the relationship between MC and ML doesn't improve that much? In the beginning the ML is very cautious towards the MC, understandably so after being forced into this marriage that neither wanted, and MC takes great pains to ensure that they have a harmonious relationship.

Fast forward to the last 10 or so chapters, where the MC starts becoming irrationally jealous and behaving possessively to the displeasure of the ML... at which point I brought down my rating from 3 to 2 stars.

Like, come on! If nothing else, their relationship shouldn't be going downhill towards the literal end of the story! But of course, the ML forgives all of this once he realises it's because the MC is "jealous". Bro, marital r*pe is not a forgivable offence just because your husband is jealous! Sigh.

If this book was proclaiming to be a dark romance, I'd accept it. But for a healing story? Wide chasing crematorium story? No thanks. Anyway, four years of wait have culminated in disappointment.

2 ½ 🌟 <<less
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